Pictured are the A.J. Schmidt Elementary students honored for their projects.

ANGOLA — Recently, two Lake Shore elementary students were recognized for their artistic and poetic projects submitted to the WNY United’s Healthy Choices Art and Poetry Contest. The annual competition is sponsored by WNY United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Inc. The theme of the contest was “the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.”

The students, both from A.J. Schmidt Elementary, are fourth-grader Braidyn Alves who took first place in the Grade 3 to 5 category for his art work titled, “Sound the Alarm!,” and fifth-grader James Mecca, who took Honorable Mention for his poem about the challenges facing youth today. Both received commendation for their outstanding contributions.

“Everyone at A.J. Schmidt is very proud of each and every one of our students who participated in the project,” said Principal, Jill Clark. “This is the ninth year we have submitted creations for the contest and we look forward to it each school year.”

Artists, poets, families, and dignitaries gathered in December to attend a festive award reception at the state police building on the Hamburg Fairgrounds. Beth Anzalone, and Kate Chudoba, executive director and marketing communications manager of WNY United Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, Inc., respectively were on hand present the artists and poets with awards.

Principal Clark also extended her thanks to Mrs. Lori Wunder, fifth grade teacher at A.J. Schmidt, and Julie Kilmer, a school liaison and Prevention Specialist for WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Inc.

“Both of their hard work helped make this a wonderful success, and we thank them for their effort,” said Clark.